After Erik ten Hag was fired, Ruud van Nistelrooy was named Manchester United’s interim manager. He will take over for the first time tonight when Leicester City visits Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, the recently hired temporary manager of Manchester United, has voiced conflicting emotions on Erik ten Hag’s exit from Old Trafford. He says he is “saddened” to see his fellow Dutchman go, but also considers it a “great honour” to take over.
Van Nistelrooy was temporarily promoted to the manager’s position while United negotiated for Sporting’s Ruben Amorin to take over the Old Trafford hot seat after Ten Hag was fired on Monday following a dismal run of one victory in eight games.
And tonight’s (7.45pm kickoff) Carabao Cup fourth round match between United and Leicester City will be his first—and possibly only—game in command.
The Manchester Evening News says that the Old Trafford great expects a good reception before to the game, but in tonight’s United Review matchday program, he admits to having conflicting emotions. “I am writing these notes with a great deal of mixed emotions,” he writes.
Even though I have only been a member of the coaching staff here for a few months, Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer, and I will always be appreciative of him for the chance. It saddens me to see him go.
“It is a wonderful pleasure to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so, even if it is just temporarily. I can assure you that I will keep doing everything in my power to attempt to improve our situation.
“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything, and turn this season around while we have time,” Van Nistelrooy said, shifting his focus to the current task at hand. Based on my experiences as a coach and player here, I can declare with certainty that Manchester United can be unstoppable when players, staff, and supporters work together.
“Thank goodness we have time on our side, and with games coming up so frequently these days, we also have lots of chances to generate some positive momentum, beginning with Steve Cooper and Leicester City’s arrival tonight in the Carabao Cup.
Naturally, it won’t be simple. In addition to being Premier League rivals, Leicester will be extremely motivated by the possibility of advancing to the quarterfinals. Every game we play, though, is also a chance for us to remind everyone, including ourselves, of the values this outstanding club upholds.
“Restoring the winning habit is the first stage, and it begins this evening at Old Trafford. Please support the players as we battle together to get closer to Wembley, as I have seen firsthand the good impact our amazing supporters can have on the team.
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